Every parent worries about their child’s nutrition, especially if it’s their first food or they are starting solids after turning six months old. While homemade purees, smoothies, mashed fruits, etc., are considered good options for babies, there are some foods that your little ones should not eat, at least for the first couple of years for good health and overall development. So, this Baby Safety Month, learn all about food items that are the worst during your baby’s growing years.
Rice drinks are one of the worst first foods for your baby
This is the worst food for babies and young ones in general. It should not be given to kids under five as it contains too much arsenic for their little bodies. This natural chemical element unavoidably finds its way into our food and water. However, rice tends to have more arsenic than other natural grains. While your child can consume rice, rice milk should not be given as a substitute for breast milk, formula, or even cow’s milk. It is always better to consult with your doctor in case you have any doubts about rice drinks.
Say no to cow’s milk till your infant’s older
Breast milk is best for your baby. However, can you start cow’s milk after they are six months old? Most likely, no. Ideally, you should continue breastfeeding your child till they turn at least one year old. You can opt for formula if breast milk is insufficient. But refrain from giving cow’s milk when they are still an infant. Cow’s milk has high levels of protein, sodium, and potassium which will be difficult for your baby to digest. Moreover, it lacks vitamin E and iron, which is crucial for the development of your child.
Do not add salt to your little one’s food
No matter how tempted you are to add some flavor to your baby’s food, do not add salt, even in cooking water. Salt has sodium, which can harm the kidneys when they are still young. So, if your baby is between the ages of six months to one and a half years, avoid adding stock cubes or gravy to their food as they are high in salt. Even treating them with store-bought chips, crackers, crisps, takeaways, bacon, sausages, etc., is also not a great idea.
Sugar is also one of the worst first foods for your baby
Sugar is the worst food not only for adults but also for babies and young kids in general. So, instead of adding sugar to your baby’s food to add sweetness, add a few mashed bananas or puree of other sweet fruits. Alternatively, once your child crosses the one-year mark, instead of adding white sugar, add natural sweeteners like dates or honey to your kid’s meals for extra flavor. Moreover, fruit juices, soft drinks, cakes, candies, etc., should be avoided to prevent tooth decay at a young age.
Whole nuts and peanuts should be avoided till your infant is older
To avoid any choking hazard, do not give whole nuts and peanuts to your infants or kids below five. This is one of the worst first foods for babies. However, nuts and peanuts are considered healthy and should be a part of their diet. So, instead of serving whole nuts, crush them or grind them well before mixing them in baby food. Alternatively, you can even give them homemade nut butter and peanut butter for health benefits.
Other than food items, mold-ripened soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, and soft blue-veined cheese, such as Roquefort or ripened goats’ milk cheese, should also not be given to babies. These cheeses might carry a bacteria called listeria which might harm your infant. Uncooked eggs/meat in any form, honey, marshmallows (due to choking hazards), unpasteurized food, frozen meals, etc., are also considered to be some of the worst first foods for babies and young kids.
